Three hurt in 3-car crash on northbound U.S. 31

Traffic was backed up in both directions after the crash on the northbound lanes of the highway just north of Wilson Street.

Emergency crews responded to the scene just before 2:30 p.m.

Norton Shores Police Chief Dan Shaw said the crash occurred when a 66-year-old Muskegon Heights woman in a Chevrolet minivan changed lanes in front of a Subaru Outback driven by an 18-year-old Evanston, Ill. man. The van abruptly slowed down, causing the station wagon to strike it in the rear.

A third vehicle, a GMC Envoy, driven by a 34-year-old Muskegon Heights woman, was unable to stop for the first collision and struck the second vehicle.

Shaw said all three drivers were transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

The driver causing the crash was ticketed for making an improper lane change.